Feb. 12, 2008

KENT, Ohio - Michigan State field hockey assistant coach Helen Knull has been inducted into the 30th annual class of Kent State's Varsity "K" Athletic Hall of Fame. Knull joined eight former student-athletes, one administrator and two special honorees as the formally honored in a banquet held last Friday, Feb. 8 on the campus of Kent State.

"It's still one of those things that really hasn't sank in yet," said Knull. "We had so much fun. It was really a great weekend. My family was there, and some of the girls that I coached and recruited while I was there came, and the current coaching staff was there as well. It was nice because the others that were being inducted were all athletes from my time there, so it was great to see them again and be a part of everything."

One of only three two-time NFHCA All-Americans in school history, Knull (Jerdan) was a four-time first team All-MAC selection and the 2002 MAC Player of the Year. The Glasgow, Scotland, native led the Flashes to four straight MAC Tournament titles - garnering All-Tournament accolades each time - and four consecutive NCAA berths. A four-time NFCA All-West Region selection (twice on the first team, twice on the second), Knull earned the Janet Bachna Award given to the outstanding female athlete who demonstrates the most exceptional qualities of academic performance, athletic ability and leadership. After finishing her career ranked among the KSU leaders in points (5th-121), goals (7th-43) and assists (3rd-35), she went on to serve as an assistant coach for the Golden Flashes for three seasons. In her four years as a player, Knull helped the Golden Flashes to a 65-25 record.

"I would like to congratulate Helen as an inductee into the Kent State Athletic Hall of Fame," said Michigan State head coach Rolf van de Kerhof. "It is not only a great honor for Helen, but also for the Spartan field hockey program. It's not every day that one of the coaches is being recognized for the outstanding job they have done as an intercollegiate student-athlete. I remember Helen as a great player and leader on the Golden Flashes field hockey teams. She was a difference maker for Kent State, and always the focal point of her opponents."